Sea Eagles swoop for Johns

Rugby league immortal Andrew Johns has joined Manly in a specialist coaching capacity.

Former NSW and Australia captain Johns will join the club for the upcoming 2013 season in a multi-faceted role.

As well as involvement with the NRL squad he will be responsible for running junior clinics, supporting the club’s membership drive and promoting club initiatives.

“What’s really exciting is working with young players who aspire to become NRL players, as well as having an important involvement with the NRL squad,” said Johns.

Johns has already worked with the Sea Eagles halfbacks Daly Cherry-Evans and Kieran Foran and welcomed the opportunity to reinvent their 2011 premiership form.

“They are smart players, with huge potential,” said Johns.

“I’m looking forward to working with Geoff Toovey and his team to fine tune certain aspects that will hopefully continue Manly’s success.”

Head Coach Geoff Toovey was equally pleased with Johns’ capture.

“Joey’s helped us in previous years but it’s great to have him on board now in a more permanent role,” Toovey said.

“His technical expertise and knowledge of the game will be invaluable to us.”

Johns will start work with the club later this month.